Northanger Abbey, Lady Susan, The Watsons, Sanditon (Oxford World's Classics)
by Jane Austen
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Read in April, 2008
recommends it for:
those who want an lesser known Jane Austen novel
I just noticed that this is a book including 4 different stories. I only got Northanger Abbey and this review is ONLY for that novel.
I went to Border's to get a quick read for the plane home and decided on this because I LOVE Pride and Prejudice, but didn't want to read any Austen novels that had been spoiled by movies. (They are still good, but I already know what's going to happen.) So I bought her first novel, that I hadn't really heard much about, not really expecting anything from it, b...more
I went to Border's to get a quick read for the plane home and decided on this because I LOVE Pride and Prejudice, but didn't want to read any Austen novels that had been spoiled by movies. (They are still good, but I already know what's going to happen.) So I bought her first novel, that I hadn't really heard much about, not really expecting anything from it, b...more
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Read in May, 2008
Northanger Abbey was SOOO funny! I would love to go out and have a couple drinks with Henry Tilney, what a hoot. Poor Catherine is so naive, she's completely taken in by Isabella who could not be more two-faced and self-serving. Well, with the possible exception of Lady Susan. Might be fun to put Isabella Thorpe and Lady Susan in a room together and watch them try to out-schmooze eachother while planning the other's untimely demise. What a shame Ms. Austen wasn't able to finish Sanditon, I found...more
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Read in January, 2005
Northanger Abbey is Jane Austen's DUD. I believe it was one of her earlier works... (no excuse, so was Pride and Prejudice). The main character is obsessed with Gothic thriller novels and suspects her beau's family is guilty of foul play, while they think she's an heiress (she's not). Interesting premise, right? Well, the story moves oh-so-slowly, is full of only minor events that are absurd and far from engaging, and ends strangely with a less than half-hearted proposal that lacks emotion and r...more
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Read in January, 2006
While these are not complete books, I enjoyed reading them. They definitely do not have the polish her finished books do and in many ways are much more cutting and sharp. If you really, really love Austen you'd enjoy these as well. If you liked her, you could probably do without.
It was hard to read in that you wanted to see the finished product, and well, there isn't one. Except for Sanditon - someone finished that and did a marvelous job. Loads of fun. You should read it.
It was hard to read in that you wanted to see the finished product, and well, there isn't one. Except for Sanditon - someone finished that and did a marvelous job. Loads of fun. You should read it.
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I like Jane Austen a lot, but to be honest her books can become formulaic if you read them one after another. Northanger Abby is a good departure from Austen's other novels. In this book Austen strives to imitate the Gothic writers and in doing so the reader gets a story that is a refreshing change of pace from Austen's other works. Still quintessentially Jane Austenesque North Anger Abby is fun, unexpected and well written.
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What a strange Austen novel! Don't go into this expecting Pride and Prejudice. It's Austen's satirical attempt at a gothic novel and can be pretty complex. Catherine is an anti-hero -- a far cry from Elizabeth, Elinor, Anne, or other Austen protagonists. The narrator's voice is possibly even harder to pin down in this novel than it is the other novels. An interesting read to be sure.
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Read in April, 2007
Not Jane Austen's best book - the writing isn't as tight, the plot kind of meanders, and the "heroine" is not as sympathetic as her other great characters - Emma, Elizabeth, Anne. But there is always simple pleasure in reading an Austen novel; it transports me back to a completely unfamiliar time and place, with completely familiar emotions and attachments. Plus, she's very funny.
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Read in March, 2008
Wow, what a departure! I loved this very different novel. This book shows Austen's ability to step out of her mold. I particularly liked how she addresses the reader and defines/justifies her heroine's failings yet still allows her the role. A delight!
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Has a copy to sell/swap
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Read in March, 2008
Recently re-read this novel - originally I didn't like it very much, however decided to give it another try - and was more impressed with it. It was Austin's first novel, and I think it is somewhat evident, as it has a very Teen/ young adult feel to it. The characters are simpler as well. While still not one of my favorites, I did enjoy it.
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Read in September, 2007
I just moved and life changes, for me, call for Jane Austen. Northanger Abbey I've read only a handful of times though, versus dozens for her other books. I know that some people, like Mark Twain and my sister, can't stand Jane Austen and I always say "to each his own" and all that, but honestly, I don't get it - her work is genius!
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This is one of Jane Austen's early novels. Though it is not her best work, it is worth reading for the way it interacts with and mocks the genre of the Gothic novel specifically Ann Radcliffe's Mysteries of Udolpho. Also, all the usual Austen themes are there--love, female friendship, a difference in fortune, etc.
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Read in January, 2008
(currently rereading the watsons.)
this is so depressing even jane austen finally gave up on it, but it's depressing in that fantastic fairytale way! it's almost a moral tale.
so there's some old-fashioned poverty, your standard evil sisters and dumb rich dudes. what's not to like?
this is so depressing even jane austen finally gave up on it, but it's depressing in that fantastic fairytale way! it's almost a moral tale.
so there's some old-fashioned poverty, your standard evil sisters and dumb rich dudes. what's not to like?
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Read in June, 2007
This book is quite different from other Austen classics. The resolution at the end of the novel isn't very well developed and leaves something to be desired. There are moments that seem to reveal more of the narrator than in her other work and these make reading it worth while.
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You have to realize that Northanger Abbey is satire if you're going to enjoy it. But I gave this one 5 stars because of Lady Susan, an oft-overlooked gem from Austen. I love how the plot (and Lady Susan's plotting) are revealed through letters between the characters.
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The herione of this book is sweet and silly, and novel itself is hilarious in a mortifying kind of way. This is the only Jane Austen I've never re-read. The main character's downright stupidity was simply too annoying, like a less (oh so much less) sophisticated Emma.
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Read in May, 2008
I really liked how Jane Austen occasionally addressed the reader directly. I think this is the only one of her books she's done that in...at least the only one I remember! I also liked her heroine, who she allowed to be a very ordinary person. Excellent book!
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Read in January, 2008
Northanger Abbey is one of Austen's less talked of novels, but, in my opinion, another great one. It's gothic tones add some mystery, though short-lived, that is different from her other novels. A short read, it ranks up there with the best.
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Read in March, 2005
Austen's uncanny ability for gothic literature goes often overlooked. Most think of her as Victorian romance writer, but this novel exposes more of her Poe-esque techniques. Great in parts, but sometimes a drudgery to get through.
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Read in January, 2004
recommends it for:
Austen fanatics only
Surprisingly dull and halfbaked short stories by Austen. They are disappointing if you are looking for a repeat performance of Emma or P&P but if you mostly want to supplement you're reading of Austen then I'd recommend them.
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Catherine Morland may be my favorite Jane Austen heroine. Such imagination! Northanger Abbey's plot is less polished than later Austen novels, but I find that the attraction.
John Thorpe is great for comic relief.
John Thorpe is great for comic relief.
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